Talbot County, Maryland

Summary:

Reporting to the Planning Director, the Zoning Technician is responsible for reviewing building and zoning permit in compliance with zoning and flood plain regulations. This position provides technical assistance to applicants and agents, County staff and other agencies and organizations regarding zoning and floodplain related matters. Must be able to drive county vehicle and travel within and outside the County. Public meeting attendance may be required on a limited basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides general assistance to applicants and the public with questions about the County comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, forest conservation, floodplain ordinance and other planning information associated with the department. Explains to the general public code applicability, land use and property location requirements.
• Reviews building permit and planning applications, construction plans, specifications, permits and related project documents to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws and regulations to floodplain, critical area, zoning, and related State and Federal regulations.
• Coordinates with applicants, other departments, commissions and outside agencies to facilitate additional review requirements to ensure expeditious permit processing.
• Writes and presents formal staff reports to various Boards and Commissions as assigned.
• Works with County departments, community agencies and the public to provide public education and awareness of the Floodplain Management Program. Prepares outreach presentation materials and coordinates and conducts outreach events.
• Coordinates and assists in Community Assistance Visits (CAV), Community Rating System (CRS) Program reviews, and other floodplain management program outreach and public education presentations.
• Provides support and technical assistance to administrative, enforcement, development review and comprehensive planning staff as required.
• Assists as necessary and performs certain administrative or development duties when the normally responsible staff member is unavailable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school with or supplemented by courses in office procedures, typing, word processing and other relevant administrative skills. Associate degree (strongly recommended) or vocational certificate in a related field such as architectural drafting and design, blueprint reading, construction, surveying, or civil engineering, along with a minimum of three (3) year’s experience in a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Training in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with possession of a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM®) certificate or will obtain and maintain such a Certificate within (12) months of beginning employment.

• Ability to read and understand rules and regulations, zoning, floodplain and building codes and applicable State and Federal regulations. Proficient at or the ability to become proficient at reading and interpreting plats, construction plans, site plans, floodplain maps and flood insurance studies.
• Ability to accurately read and use standard engineers and architect’s scales and derive dimensions and areas of features on blueprints and other plans.
• Familiarity with standard construction, architectural and civil engineering terminology and practices. 
• Ability to maintain records and documentation and assist FEMA and State Floodplain Manager representatives that keep Talbot County eligible to participate in FEMAs NFIP and Community Rating System.
• Ability to provide floodplain management guidance related to flood protection, floodplain management and mitigation projects. 
• Excellent writing and communication skills. Math skills should include the ability to work with fractions and percentages, and the ability to apply higher math such as algebra, trigonometry and/or geometry to calculate area and solve for unknown values. 
• Proficient at Microsoft Word and/or able to become proficient at Excel and OpenGov.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials, and the public and to convey a professional and welcoming attitude to all who contact the office.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Able to work effectively and efficiently in a team environment or individually with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasionally moves equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• May need to bend, squat, climb and/or move on uneven surfaces.

Work Environment:

Typically works in office setting.

• Noise level is quiet or moderate.
• May be out in heat and cold.

Application:

Apply

Talbot County is an equal opportunity employer. The county does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.